Back Page with Sarah Barton

 

Zhen Xian Bao interlock of 31 boxes. Recycled eco-journals, stardream covers. 8”x 22”.

Artist Statement:

Zhen Xian Bao (ZXB) is a container of 15-30 interlocking boxes from the Miao, Dong, Han and Yao tribes in China. Also known as a ‘thread book’, it was carried by women throughout their lives. Folded boxes held threads, needles, embroidery patterns, notes, family photos and shoe patterns. Masu, rectangular, flower, and twist boxes are made separately to layer so that the upper ones lift and open those below. 

Since Covid, I turned to painting, folding paper, and handmade books. With basic book construction in hand, the books are now vehicles for narratives of family history and rocks I have known, illustrated stories of heroines, empty books for grandchildren, and eco-collages of global collapse perspectives in the world of the hyperlocal. 

I have been fortunate to meet great teachers in online Book Arts workshops with Paula Beardell Krieg, Susan Joy Share, Hedi Kyle, Scott McCarney, Shawn Sheehy, and a global network of colleagues.

An Alaskan for 50 years, Sarah Barton lives in a place of dramatic scale (largest state, lowest population density, highest mountains), wandering charismatic megafauna (moose and bears), extremes of light and dark, and an assortment of inspiring people. Home is perched between two mountain ranges overlooking the Matanuska Glacier in Southcentral Alaska about 100 miles northeast of Anchorage.

In her early days, she worked as a painter and university instructor after completing a BA in Painting and MA in Renaissance Art History from Tyler/Temple in Philadelphia. The practicalities of divorce and raising kids led to a career in public infrastructure and community mediation. For 35 years, she lead teams to deliver roads, ports, airports, clinics, libraries, and museums in Alaska and nationally.